Effect of Sorafenib on Sex Hormone Levels in Male Swiss Albino Mice

Abstract

Background: Hormones play a vital role in initiating and maintenance of male reproductive or testicular function which includes the production of androgens and spermatozoa. Testosterone is essential for the initiation and maintenance of spermatogenesis. FSH is responsible for the stimulation of spermatogenesis. Semen analysis and hormone evaluation are essential parameters in the diagnosis of infertility in males. Objective: The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effect of sorafenib on FSH and intratesticular testosterone levels in male Swiss albino mice. Materials and Methods: The animals were segregated into control, positive control, and treatment groups (n=6). Treatment group received 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg body weight of sorafenib orally for seven consecutive days at intervals of 24 hours between two administrations. Positive control group received 100 mg/kg body weight of imatinib. The animals were sacrificed at the end of 1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th, 7th and 10th week after the last exposure to sorafenib. Results: The intratesticular testosterone level was significantly (P<0.05) reduced in treated groups and severe effect was observed on week 4th and 5th weeks. FSH level was increased significantly (P<0.05) in sorafenib treated groups of mice. Conclusion: The administration of sorafenib does affect testosterone and FSH level significantly, but this effect is reversible once the drug is withdrawn. This finding may help the clinicians to plan and address the fertility-related issues in young patients of reproductive age who are being treated with sorafenib for advanced renal cell carcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma and differentiated thyroid carcinoma.